Email to Staff – January 11, 2019 – Risks

Last week I shared information regarding two exciting community partnership initiatives we are in the process of developing, Project Wrap Around: Life in the Middle and Project Wrap Around: Strength is our Foundation. We are in the final stages of developing the survey for our community members to complete as a form of the application process. I also wrote of the importance of schools continuing the work of creating compassionate communities. Compassionate communities are places where kids learn empathy, conflict resolution and respect for one another, because of the modeling and teaching by the adults in the schools.

As we end the first semester of the 2018/19 school year, I want to thank folks for the tremendous work that is being done throughout the district. The work of our maintenance and custodial staff that keep our schools immaculate. Our bus drivers (great photo in the Herald a few weeks back), librarians and nurses for their care and support of our children. Our phenomenal Para educators for supporting some of our neediest children. Our teachers that put their blood sweat and tears into planning and providing high quality instruction. Our administrative teams that provide essential leadership for our schools. Finally, to the Longfellow staff for the hard work provided to support our schools. Thanks for a great semester for Every Student, Every Day!

As we prepare to begin the second semester I want to remind everyone of two things shared during the convocation in August. First, make mistakes. If you make mistakes be sure to learn from them. I know in the six months I’ve been Superintendent I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Mistakes that you may be aware of and others you don’t have a clue about. I’ve learned many lessons about my leadership and self as a result. Reflection is amazing! Second I shared to take risks. I took a risk to move to Vermont and that risk has definitely paid dividends. I also took the risk to reach out to the members of Project Vision for community support (you do know that the Superintendent is supposed to have ALL the answers. Well I definitely don’t).

As educators we have to take risks to support all of our children. By taking risks we are stretching ourselves to grow. In addition to growth, we become more reflective of our self and our work. Non-licensed staff, take risks like playing with our children. Take the risk of reaching out to a colleague or family. Take the risk that you wish someone had taken with you. Licensed staff, take risks in how instruction is delivered. Take risks in the way you collaborate with colleagues. Take risks for the sake of why you got into teaching in the first place. Take risks!!

Through making mistakes and taking risks we will develop a full service community school district. A district that supports the needs of our children. Where medical, dental, social and emotional care is provided. Where members of the extended community are engaged and supportive of the tremendous work required to educate our children. Where every member of the Rutland City Public School District family feels respected and engaged. A district where all the needs of our students are met. A district where service is the embodiment.